If you've read the preceding sections about deploying disk images then you know the technology part. Now comes the harder task which is to roll out a network system over a geographical area.
** Scope your Network Area
** Scope your network area
What area do you want to cover? Draw it out on a map. Within your area which are the best locations for mesh routers. If you're using cantennas or other high gain antennas what's their maximum range with a clear line of sight?
Map out the locations or rooftops you ideally would like to use and which will give good coverage.
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This should be an inventory of hardware and software, and a step-by-step instructions which members of your community can follow. Make an install package containing the hardware and instructions which can be repeadably deployed. This need not be highly sophisticated, and could comprise of some mesh images on USB sticks, maybe some wifi antennas, and instructions on what to do with them.
** Hold training events
Hold some events which train people how to install, use and maintain the system. These can be useful for ironing out any bugs in the install plan and also for determining what are the best ways to engage with the community. Avoid appearing like some Silicon Valley stooge pushing the latest trendy gadget or being the high-minded liberal who is going to deliver "civilization" to the colonies. Intentions are less important than results. Be as realistic as possible about what it takes to keep the system running and listen to people who know the locality.
Hold some events which train people how to install, use and maintain the system. These can be useful for ironing out any bugs in the install plan and also for determining what are the best ways to engage with the community. Avoid appearing like some Silicon Valley stooge pushing the latest trendy gadget or being the high-minded liberal who is going to deliver "civilization" to the colonies. Intentions are less important than results. Be as realistic as possible about what it takes to keep the system running and listen to people who know the locality. This is as much a human network as it is a technical one.
** Have a maintenance process
Maybe people should check that things are still working every so often. If a fault happens there needs to be some process to follow or people to contact, otherwise entropy will eventually kill the network.
What area do you want to cover? Draw it out on a map. Within your area which are the best locations for mesh routers. If you're using cantennas or other high gain antennas what's their maximum range with a clear line of sight?
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@@ -198,7 +198,7 @@ This should be an inventory of hardware and software, and a step-by-step instruc
<h3id="sec-1-4">Hold training events</h3>
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Hold some events which train people how to install, use and maintain the system. These can be useful for ironing out any bugs in the install plan and also for determining what are the best ways to engage with the community. Avoid appearing like some Silicon Valley stooge pushing the latest trendy gadget or being the high-minded liberal who is going to deliver "civilization" to the colonies. Intentions are less important than results. Be as realistic as possible about what it takes to keep the system running and listen to people who know the locality.
Hold some events which train people how to install, use and maintain the system. These can be useful for ironing out any bugs in the install plan and also for determining what are the best ways to engage with the community. Avoid appearing like some Silicon Valley stooge pushing the latest trendy gadget or being the high-minded liberal who is going to deliver "civilization" to the colonies. Intentions are less important than results. Be as realistic as possible about what it takes to keep the system running and listen to people who know the locality. This is as much a human network as it is a technical one.
